Social care leaders have responded positively to the government's announcement that 80 per cent of social care providers are now using digital care records.
Care England chief executive Professor Martin Green OBE said: “Digital records are an important step forward, and many providers are already seeing the benefits in terms of safer, more coordinated, and more efficient care. [The] announcement recognises the dedication of providers and staff who have driven this change, often under very challenging circumstances.
“At the same time, feedback from our members shows that the journey has not been straightforward. Providers have experienced significant variation in local delivery, complex administrative requirements, and uncertainty about the ongoing costs once initial funding ends. These practical challenges matter, and resolving them will be essential if digital transformation is to be sustained.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government so that future phases of this programme are shaped by the realities of frontline care and ensure that every provider, regardless of size or location, can participate fully in the digital future of social care.”
A spokesperson for The National Care Forum (NCF) commented: “This milestone is of huge significance in the journey towards a digital future for social care and support and serves as evidence of the response achievable when concerted effort is made by government to engage the sector in the digital agenda.”
Finally, Deborah Rozansky, director of policy, research and information at the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), said: “This is a significant achievement for a sector that started from a position where only around 40 per cent of providers were fully digitised, and many were still reliant on paper-based records.
“Reaching the point where 80 per cent of care providers are using digital social care records represents a fundamental shift in how care is planned, delivered, and monitored. It also reflects the enormous commitment shown by providers, care staff, people who draw on care and support, local systems, and national partners to modernise social care in challenging circumstances.
“The government’s ambition to move from analogue to digital is only possible if strong digital foundations are in place. Greater uptake of digital social care records supports more joined-up assessments, better shared decision-making, and a clearer, more complete picture of a person across health and social care.
“As the sector moves forward, the focus must now be on ensuring that digitisation is inclusive, well-supported, and genuinely improves outcomes for people who rely on care and support every day.”
